REU/RET Projects

Elizabeth Jordan
University: University of Connecticut
Mentor in UCF: Dr. Yong-Ho Sohn – AMPAC, and Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering

Sample Preparation and Examination of Solution Precursor Plasma Spray Thermal Barrier Coating

In an effort to further understand solution precursor plasma spray thermal barrier coatings (SPPS TBCs) heat treatments and forms of sample analysis and microscopy were preformed. With a sample provided by the University of Connecticut three heat treatments were done and samples were then looked at in the Scanning Electron Microscope. Plans were also laid out for samples to be looked at using the Transmission electron Microscope after being prepared using the Focused Ion Beam. Due to failure of machinery and lack of time only one sample was looked at in the TEM. The as received sample was analyzed and the pore and grain seize were evaluated as well as the pore count. With the data obtained we concluded that no appreciable difference could be seen between the heat treated samples using the SEM, and that further research with the use of the TEM should be done. The goals of this project and projects of the future is to further the understanding of the SPPS coating and other possibilities for coatings in the future.